Top 10 World Cup Goals in the 21st Century

The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage for the most spectacular moments in football history. The 21st century has seen some of the most unforgettable goals that have left fans in awe and etched themselves into the annals of the sport. Here, we celebrate the top 10 World Cup goals of the 21st century, showcasing the skill, creativity, and sheer brilliance of the players who scored them.

1. Maxi Rodríguez (Argentina vs. Mexico, 2006)

In the 2006 World Cup, Maxi Rodríguez scored a stunning extra-time goal against Mexico. Receiving a cross-field pass, he controlled the ball with his chest and unleashed a left-footed volley from outside the box, sending it into the top corner. This goal secured Argentina's place in the quarter-finals and remains one of the most memorable strikes in World Cup history.

2. James Rodríguez (Colombia vs. Uruguay, 2014)

James Rodríguez's goal against Uruguay in the 2014 World Cup was a masterpiece. He controlled the ball with his chest and, without letting it touch the ground, struck a powerful volley from outside the box that hit the underside of the crossbar and went in. This goal won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.

3. Dennis Bergkamp (Netherlands vs. Argentina, 1998)

Although technically from the 20th century, Dennis Bergkamp's goal in the 1998 World Cup is too iconic to ignore. In the dying minutes of the quarter-final against Argentina, Bergkamp controlled a long pass with a sublime first touch, flicked the ball past a defender, and finished with the outside of his foot. This goal sent the Netherlands to the semi-finals.

4. Benjamin Pavard (France vs. Argentina, 2018)

Benjamin Pavard's goal in the 2018 World Cup against Argentina was a thing of beauty. From a difficult angle, Pavard struck the ball with the outside of his foot, sending it curling into the top corner. This goal was later voted the best goal of the tournament.

5. Robin van Persie (Netherlands vs. Spain, 2014)

Robin van Persie's "Flying Dutchman" goal against Spain in the 2014 World Cup is unforgettable. He launched himself into the air to meet a long pass and headed the ball over the goalkeeper from the edge of the box. This goal was a perfect blend of timing, technique, and audacity.

6. Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina vs. Serbia and Montenegro, 2006)

Esteban Cambiasso finished off a brilliant team move in the 2006 World Cup against Serbia and Montenegro. The goal involved 24 passes and showcased Argentina's fluid, attacking football. Cambiasso's calm finish capped off one of the greatest team goals in World Cup history.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal vs. Spain, 2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick against Spain in the 2018 World Cup was a moment of pure genius. With Portugal trailing, Ronaldo stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, completing his hat-trick and securing a dramatic draw for his team.

8. Tim Cahill (Australia vs. Netherlands, 2014)

Tim Cahill's volley against the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup was a sensational strike. Meeting a long cross, Cahill struck the ball first-time with his left foot, sending it crashing in off the crossbar. This goal is considered one of the best in World Cup history.

9. Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Netherlands vs. Uruguay, 2010)

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's long-range strike against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup semi-final was a moment of magic. From nearly 40 yards out, he unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner, helping the Netherlands reach the final.

10. Lionel Messi (Argentina vs. Nigeria, 2018)

Lionel Messi's goal against Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup was a display of his incredible skill and composure. Controlling a long pass with his thigh, he took another touch with his left foot before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. This goal was crucial in securing Argentina's place in the knockout stages.

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